F1 Returns Today: Dutch Grand Prix Practice Schedule Revealed

F1 Practice Today: Dutch Grand Prix 2026 Schedule, TV Channel and Live Coverage

Formula 1 is back in action this weekend as the championship resumes following the summer break at the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix. The event takes place at Circuit Zandvoort from August 21 to 23, with a Sprint format adding extra excitement to the weekend.

The first Formula 1 track action comes on Friday, August 21, when the drivers take part in Free Practice 1. The session provides teams with their first opportunity to assess their cars around the Zandvoort circuit before attention quickly turns to Sprint Qualifying later in the day. Practice is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. UK time.

Friday’s running will be particularly important because this is a Sprint weekend. Teams have less practice time than at a conventional Grand Prix, meaning engineers and drivers must quickly find the right setup while managing tyre performance and the demands of the circuit.

Following practice, Sprint Qualifying will take place on Friday afternoon, with the session scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. UK time. The results will determine the starting order for Saturday’s Sprint.

The Dutch Grand Prix is also attracting considerable attention because this year’s event is expected to be the final Formula 1 race at Zandvoort, with the venue dropping from the calendar after the 2026 season. That gives the weekend additional significance for both the drivers and the large crowd attending the event.

Max Verstappen will once again be one of the main attractions at his home event. The Red Bull driver has enjoyed an impressive record at Zandvoort since the circuit returned to the F1 calendar in 2021, recording three victories and two second-place finishes.

Fans wanting to follow the action can watch through the official broadcasters available in their country. In Germany, coverage information for 2026 lists Sky Germany as the main F1 broadcaster, while RTL is scheduled to show selected Grands Prix, including the Dutch GP.

With the championship battle entering another important phase, Friday’s practice session could provide the first indication of which teams have found the strongest setup for Zandvoort. Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren will all be looking to start the weekend strongly before the Sprint and main Grand Prix.

The Dutch Grand Prix therefore begins with plenty at stake. Practice will give fans their first look at the competitive order, while Sprint Qualifying later on Friday will immediately raise the pressure as the drivers fight for their Saturday starting positions.